title: Hypervariable minisatellite DNA is a hotspot for homologous recombination in human cells.
abstract: Hypervariable minisatellite DNA sequences are short tandemly repeated sequences that are present throughout the human genome and are implicated to enhance recombination. We have constructed a consensus hypervariable minisatellite sequence and analyzed its effect on homologous recombination in human cells in culture. The consensus sequence d(AGAGGTGGGCAGGTGG)6.5 is shown to stimulate homologous recombination up to 13.5-fold. The stimulation occurs at a distance and in both directions but does show a quantitative directionality. Stimulation occurs in a codominant manner, and the sequence is inherited equally in the products. Enhancement is maintained, but at a reduced level, when double-strand breaks are introduced into the substrates. Multiple unselected recombination events are promoted, and preferential stimulation of reciprocal exchange events is demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612.
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Wahls
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002459:Cell Fusion; D002460:Cell Line; D004276:DNA, Satellite / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D010957:Plasmids; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D014162:Transfection; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
chemical_list: D004276:DNA, Satellite; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides